Alan Hardacre talks public affairs – The Gambling Files RTFM 153

We kick off, as ever, with some chit-chat between Jon and Fintan [0:00 – 9:23] about stuff, and things. They definitely mention our excellent sponsor overlords though, Optimove and Clarion Gaming.

Then they are joined by the most excellent Alan Hardacre, a public affairs consultant with extensive experience in the gambling and tobacco industries. Alan explains the role of public affairs in the gambling industry and how it shapes government relations pro- and reactively. It’s Alan’s opinion that organisations should seriously consider investing in public affairs as part of their team. We also get in to lobbying and the importance of engaging politicians, the challenges of regulation on marketing and advertising, the impact of marketing strategies, the concept of denormalization, the black market and much, much, much more. [9:24 – 1:15:21]

For people that like lists better, the episode includes how…:

• Public affairs involves shaping and organizing relationships with governments, both proactively and reactively.
• Investing in public affairs can be beneficial for organizations in the gambling industry, especially those with long-term goals.
• Determining the legitimacy of a lobbyist requires evaluating their approach, experience, and references from policymakers.
• Proactive lobbying for regulatory change is relatively rare, with most lobbying being reactive to events and crises. Regulating the online gambling industry is challenging, with marketing and advertising practices being a major focus.
• Engagement with politicians is crucial, but the approach may vary depending on the country and the industry's reputation.
• Denormalization of the gambling industry can occur when there is a perception that the activity is undesirable.
• Lessons can be learned from other regulated industries, such as alcohol and tobacco, in terms of responsible marketing and addressing public concerns.
• The presence of illegal operators poses risks to the industry and can undermine regulatory efforts. Quantifying the black market in gambling is challenging and requires a better methodology.
• Humanizing the impact of the black market can help in raising awareness and addressing the issue.
• The industry needs to take bold action and engage in self-regulation to stay ahead of legislation.
• The transition from a gray to a black or white market is happening, and market consolidation is expected.
• Further education and qualifications can provide valuable insights and expertise in the gambling industry.

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